Speak to an Ontario Immigration Lawyer for free by telephone, WhatsApp, WeChat, Text Messaging (SMS) or Zoom.

Immigrate to Canada

Immigration Law governs the admission of foreign nationals, namely who can enter and stay in Canada. While it may seem complex and tedious, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides concise details on the application types and processes. You must ensure that your immigration/refugee application is completed properly and carefully. Any misunderstandings and errors in the application process can lead to costly delays and ramifications. A lawyer can help ensure that your application is completed properly.  

Do you want to visit or travel to Canada? If yes, you will need a valid passport or travel document. A visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization is also often required.   

Are you planning to work or study in Canada? If so, you will need to determine whether you need a study or work permit. Most foreign nationals require a study or work permit. There are some exceptions, for example, if you plan to study in Canada for six months or less. If you are unsure of whether you need a study or work permit, or you have any other concerns, an immigration lawyer or consultant can help you. 

Are you planning to immigrate to Canada? If so, you will need to evaluate and choose the right immigration program that suits you. Each immigration program has its own specific criteria and requirements that must be followed precisely.

Being a permanent resident, you can live, study and work anywhere in Canada, among the rights you are granted. Before you can to apply for Canadian citizenship, you must have valid permanent resident status in Canada.   

The Express Entry program is one of the most popular for economic immigration. It include the Federal Skilled Workers Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class Program. Express Entry evaluates and selects candidates based on a point ranking system. Points are earned by satisfying selection factors, such as work experience, education experience, language skills (English or French) and nature of occupation. It is important to understand every selection factors and its criteria to calculate your total points accurately. An immigration lawyer or consultant can help you do so. 

One of the objectives of Canadian immigration is to see the reunification of families. For those looking to help family members or relatives immigrate to Canada, the family sponsorship program is a viable option. Do you want to sponsor your spouse, common law partner or conjugal partner? Dependent children? Parents or grandparents? Siblings? Adopted child? You will need to keep in mind that there are specific eligibility requirements and conditions for each category.

Are you looking to start up a business in Canada? Do you want to immigrate as a self-employed person? Canada offers a number of immigration programs for business class immigrants, including specifically for start-ups and self-employed. In Ontario, entrepreneurs can be recognized and nominated for permanent residence through the Entrepreneur Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program.   

Are you deemed to be inadmissible to Canada? Are you facing a deportation, exclusion on departure order? A foreign national can be deemed inadmissible for criminality, medical reasons, financial reasons and misrepresentation of information. An immigration lawyer or consultant can help you understand your rights and determine your options for overcoming an inadmissibility.

Speak to an Ontario Immigration Lawyer for free by telephone, WhatsApp, WeChat, Text Messaging (SMS) or Zoom.

Canadian Work and Study Visas

Study and Work Permits

Canada is one of the most popular countries for newcomers to find work and pursue an education. Each year, hundreds of thousands of newcomers obtain work and study permits in Canada. If you choose to study or work in Canada, you will need to follow the requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you have any uncertainties, do not hesitate to contact an Ontario Immigration Lawyer or Consultant. 

Study Permit

Your study permit is usually valid for the duration of your program and courses. You will also be given an additional 90 days on top of that for preparations to extend your permit or depart from Canada. If you plan to extend your study permit, you should apply at least 30 days before it expires. Be advised that a study permit is not the same as a study visa. You may also require a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization to enter Canada.

To apply for study permit, you will need to:

Have a valid passport or travel document  

Be enrolled at a designated learning institution 

Have a letter of acceptance (original or electronic copy) from an approved educational institution

Prove you have sufficient funds while in Canada  

Abide the law (a police certificate may be required)

Prove you are in good health (a medical examination may be required)

Prove you will depart from Canada after study permit expires 

When is a study permit not required? Are there any exemptions? Not all foreign students require a study permit. Those who are exempted from requiring a study permit in Canada include:

Minor children in Canada

Study program lasting 6 months of less

Family members and staff of accredited foreign representatives 

Members of foreign armed forces 

Registered Indians in Canada  

According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the following activities do not require a study permit:

Distance learning

Pre-school

General interest courses

Audited courses  

Work Permit

In Canada, there is an open work permit and an employer-specific work permit. Which one of these work permits do you need? An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for non-compliant employers and erotic services. An employer-specific work permit allows you to work under specific prescribed terms. If you have just graduated from a designated learning institution and want to work temporarily in Canada, you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit. If you need to extend your work permit or make changes to it, you should apply at least 30 days before it expires.   

To apply for an open work permit or an employer-specific work permit, you must:

Have a valid passport or travel document 

Prove you have sufficient funds while in Canada  

Abide the law (a police certificate may be required)

Not be a danger to Canada’s security

Not work for a non-compliant employer and an employer that regularly offers erotic services 

Prove you are in good health (a medical examination may be required)

Prove you will depart from Canada after work permit expires 

There are some occupations that do not require a work permit. If you are uncertain about whether you need a work permit or not, you can contact an Immigration lawyer or Consultant for advice. Some occupations that typically do not require a work permit include:

Short-term researcher

Religious Leader

Business Visitor

Foreign athlete and coach

Speak to an Ontario Immigration Lawyer for free by telephone, WhatsApp, WeChat, Text Messaging (SMS) or Zoom.